American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 141.98 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★ 4.3/5 (22498 reviews)

$141.98

Brand: American Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is a classic 18-inch, 5-blade push reel mower that brings back the simplicity of manual lawn care. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized, flat lawns who want a zero-emission, whisper-quiet, and low-maintenance cutting solution, this mower is a favorite among eco-conscious users and those tired of dealing with gas, oil, and extension cords.

Who Should Buy This

1. Owners of small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – This mower shines on compact, level yards where a gas or electric model feels like overkill. It’s light, nimble, and easy to push, making quick work of postage-stamp-sized lots.

2. Eco-minded homeowners who hate fumes and noise – If you want to cut grass without disturbing the neighbors or polluting the air, this reel mower is your ticket. No gas, no oil, no emissions—just clean, quiet cutting.

3. Budget-conscious buyers who want zero operating costs – At around $140, this mower pays for itself quickly. You’ll never buy gas, oil, spark plugs, or pay for battery replacements. Annual maintenance is a simple blade adjustment and occasional lubrication.

4. Exercise enthusiasts who enjoy a light workout – Pushing a reel mower adds a bit of activity to your Saturday chore. It’s not strenuous, but it’s more engaging than riding a self-propelled mower, and you’ll feel a subtle burn in your legs and core.

Key Features Breakdown

18-inch cutting width – This is a sweet spot for small yards. It’s wide enough to cover ground efficiently but narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. Expect to finish a 2,000-square-foot lawn in about 20 minutes.

5-blade reel system – More blades mean a finer, cleaner cut. The five blades spin at high speed relative to your walking pace, snipping grass like scissors rather than tearing it. This results in healthier grass with less browning at the tips.

Heat-treated, alloy steel blades – These blades hold an edge longer than cheaper stamped steel. They’re also adjustable for cutting height, which is critical for reel mowers. Dull blades rip grass; sharp ones give that golf-course look.

Adjustable cutting height (1/2-inch to 2-inch range) – The 1815-18 offers five height settings via a simple pin-and-cam system. The range is ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia but too low for tall fescue in summer. You can’t go above 2 inches, so this isn’t for lawns that need a 3-inch cut.

Lightweight design (around 20 pounds) – At roughly 20 pounds, this mower is easy to lift over curbs, carry up steps, or store on a wall hook. The 10-inch wheels roll smoothly over flat terrain, though they’re small for bumpy ground.

No engine, no battery, no cord – The ultimate simplicity. No maintenance beyond cleaning grass clippings and occasionally oiling the wheel bearings. It starts every time because there’s nothing to start.

Pros

Silent operation – You can mow at 7 AM without waking anyone. The only sound is the gentle whir of blades cutting grass.
Zero emissions – No gas fumes, no oil spills, no carbon footprint. Perfect for families with kids or pets who play on the lawn.
Low maintenance – No oil changes, no air filters, no spark plugs. A quick blade adjustment once a season is all it needs.
Excellent cut quality on short grass – When the grass is 2-3 inches tall, the 5-blade reel produces a clean, scissor-like cut that leaves a beautiful finish.
Light and easy to maneuver – At 20 pounds, it’s one of the lightest mowers you’ll find. Great for seniors or anyone who struggles with heavy equipment.
No storage issues – Folds flat or hangs on a wall. Takes up almost no space in a garage or shed.

Cons

Struggles with tall or wet grass – If your lawn gets above 3 inches, this mower will clog, stall, or just push grass down. You must mow frequently (every 4-5 days in peak growing season) to keep it manageable.
Limited cutting height range – The maximum height is 2 inches, which is too low for cool-season grasses like tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass in hot weather. Scalping can stress the lawn.
Not for uneven or hilly terrain – The small wheels and fixed reel design mean bumps, dips, and slopes cause uneven cuts and missed spots. This is strictly for flat, smooth lawns.
Requires a learning curve – You need to push at a steady pace and keep blades sharp. Many first-time users think it’s broken when it doesn’t cut well—it’s usually just dull blades or grass that’s too tall.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is an excellent choice if you have a small, flat lawn, value simplicity, and want to avoid the hassle of gas or electric mowers. It delivers a clean, quiet cut when used correctly—meaning you must mow frequently and keep the blades sharp. It’s not a replacement for a gas mower on a half-acre lot with thick St. Augustine grass, but for a 1/4-acre Bermuda or Zoysia lawn, it’s a joy to use. I recommend it confidently for budget-conscious, eco-friendly homeowners who don’t mind a light push and a weekly mowing schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower require assembly?
A: Yes, but it’s minimal. You’ll need to attach the handle assembly (two pieces) and secure the wheels. Most people finish in 10-15 minutes with a screwdriver. No special tools required.

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: For best results, sharpen the blades once per season or after about 20 hours of use. You can use a sharpening kit or take the reel to a small engine shop. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly.

Q: Can this mower handle thick grass like St. Augustine or Zoysia?
A: It can handle Zoysia if kept short (under 2 inches) and mowed regularly. St. Augustine is tougher due to its thick runners—this mower may struggle unless the grass is very short and dry. For St. Augustine, consider a powered mower or a reel mower with a higher blade count (like a 7-blade model).

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 (a manual reel mower) and the Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart (a towable utility cart).

Important Note: These are not competing products. One is a lawn mower; the other is a utility cart. The comparison below treats them as two different solutions for lawn care, assuming the buyer is choosing between a manual mowing approach (Mower A) vs. a cart-assisted approach (Mower B, which would be towed behind a riding mower or ATV).

Quick Verdict

Neither product is a direct competitor, but if you need to actually cut grass, buy Mower A; if you need to haul heavy loads, buy Mower B—there is no overall winner because they serve entirely different functions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: American Lawn Mower 1815-18	Mower B: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart
Price	$141.98	$205.99
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	Manual (tow-behind)
Primary Function	Cutting grass	Hauling/dumping heavy materials
Cutting Width	18 inches	N/A
Self-Propelled	No (push only)	No (must be towed by vehicle)
Best Yard Size	Small to medium (up to 1/4 acre)	Any size (requires riding mower/ATV)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (typical for reel mowers)	1-year limited (typical for carts)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Actual grass cutting: This is the only product in the comparison that cuts grass. It uses a 5-blade reel system that provides a clean, scissor-like cut, which is healthier for grass than rotary blades. It is ideal for small, flat lawns where precision and quiet operation matter.
Zero operating costs: No gas, no oil, no electricity, no batteries, no belts, no spark plugs. You simply push it. Over years of use, this saves significant money compared to any powered mower—or to the cost of fueling a riding mower to tow the Gorilla cart.
Lightweight and easy to store: At about 25–30 pounds, Mower A can be hung on a wall hook or stored in a small shed. It folds flat (many reel mowers do) and requires no maintenance beyond occasional blade sharpening. It is also whisper-quiet, allowing early-morning mowing without disturbing neighbors.

Where Gorilla Wins

Massive hauling capacity: The Gorilla cart can carry up to 1,200 pounds of material (dirt, mulch, stone, firewood) in its 6-cubic-foot poly tub. Mower A cannot haul anything. If you need to move heavy loads across your property, the cart is the only option.
Quick-release dumping: The cart features a hydraulic-assisted dump mechanism that allows you to tilt the tub and empty heavy loads without manual lifting. This is essential for landscaping projects, garden cleanup, or moving compost. Mower A has no dumping capability.
Higher customer satisfaction: With a 4.7-star rating from over 30,000 reviews (vs. 4.3 stars for Mower A), the Gorilla cart is more consistently praised for durability and utility. Owners report it handles rough terrain well with its pneumatic tires and steel frame.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1815-18) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), want a quiet, zero-emission mowing experience, and prefer to avoid ongoing fuel or battery costs. You are willing to push the mower and keep the blades sharp. It is also excellent for exercise and for homeowners who value simplicity.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart) if: You already own a riding mower, ATV, or garden tractor and need to move heavy materials like soil, mulch, stone, or firewood across your property. You value the ability to dump loads quickly and carry up to 1,200 pounds. You do not need a mower—you need a hauler.

Skip both if: You need a powered mower for a large or hilly lawn. Mower A is manual and unsuitable for hills; Mower B cannot cut grass at all. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas or electric mower (e.g., Honda HRX or EGO LM2135) and a separate utility cart if needed.

Quick Verdict

This comparison doesn’t make sense — these are two completely different products. Mower A is a push reel lawn mower, and Mower B is a garden dump cart. Buy Mower A if you need to cut grass; buy Mower B if you need to haul materials. There is no “winner” across categories.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower 1815-18 (Mower A)	Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart (Mower B)
Price	$141.98	$129.99
Primary Function	Cuts grass	Hauls/dumps materials
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	Manual (pull/tow)
Cutting Width	18 inches	N/A
Self-Propelled	No	No (requires pulling)
Best Yard Size	Small (under 1/4 acre)	N/A (for transport, not mowing)
Warranty	Not specified in features	Not specified in features

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Actual grass cutting capability – This is a 5-blade reel mower designed to cut grass. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for grass than rotary mowers, reducing browning and disease. The Gorilla cart cannot cut grass.
Environmentally friendly and quiet – The reel mower produces zero emissions and runs silently. You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. The Gorilla cart has no engine, but it offers no cutting function.
Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At roughly 30 lbs, the American Lawn Mower is easy to push, store, and lift. It requires no gas, oil, or charging. Ideal for small, flat lawns where you want a quick, low-maintenance trim.

Where Gorilla Wins

Hauling and dumping capacity – This cart can carry up to 600 lbs of soil, mulch, leaves, or tools. Its 4-cubic-foot tub with a quick-release dumping mechanism makes unloading effortless. The reel mower cannot haul anything.
Durability for heavy-duty yard work – The Gorilla cart features a heavy-duty poly tub and pneumatic tires that handle rough terrain, gravel, and mud. It’s built for landscaping, gardening, and moving bulk materials. The reel mower is only for cutting.
Versatility beyond mowing – Use it for transporting firewood, garden waste, compost, or even kids (if safe). It attaches to a lawn tractor, ATV, or can be pulled by hand. The reel mower has a single purpose: cutting grass.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1815-18) if:
You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) and want a quiet, eco-friendly, low-cost mowing solution. You don’t mind manual pushing and prefer a healthy, precise cut. This is ideal for minimalists, renters, or those with small yards who want zero emissions and no fuel costs.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart) if:
You need to move heavy loads around your property — soil, mulch, leaves, tools, or firewood. You have a garden, landscaping project, or large yard where hauling is a regular task. This cart is essential for anyone with a tractor or ATV, or who does serious yard work beyond mowing.

Buy neither (or both) if:
You need to both mow grass and haul materials. These are complementary tools, not competitors. For a complete yard-care setup, you’d ideally own a mower (like A) for cutting and a cart (like B) for transport. If you only need one, choose based on your primary task: mowing or hauling.